Paul Scully emphasized the potential for part-time workers to be “more productive” as he was questioned about the suffering endured by air passengers for months.
Paul Scully emphasized the potential for part-time workers to be “more productive” in response to questions about the months-long disruptions endured by flight passengers.
The CEO of Heathrow cautioned that the industry-wide staffing shortage could take up to 18 months to overcome.
Gatwick Airport has also declared that it will reduce the number of daily flights during the summer’s peak travel season to deal with labor shortages and prevent flight cancellations.
Airline passengers across the United Kingdom have endured months of disruptions, which culminated in a chaotic half-term week and Jubilee weekend, causing anxiety that the upcoming summer holidays may bring similar lines, delays, and disappointment.
As a result of letting go of thousands of workers during the coronavirus outbreak, the aviation industry is experiencing staffing shortages.
Mr. Scully stated, “It takes time to reintroduce the crew because there were so few flights passing through Heathrow at times.
Our ministers have attempted to collaborate with Heathrow, Gatwick, and other airport operators. We want them to perform more.
We will continue to work with them to ensure a sufficient number of candidates are available to fill the available positions in a tight labor market.
He continued, “There are a record amount of job openings – 1.3 million across the country in all industries – but there are also individuals who have reassessed their career goals while on furlough.
“We want to ensure that people who aren’t necessarily working full-time can return to work and become more productive through Universal Credit if that’s what they desire and that they are matched with industries that have openings.”
When asked if this meant that people would be working longer hours, the minister responded, “I’m not talking about going out and forcing people to do anything; we just want to make sure that they’re matched up properly so that those who can and want to work longer may do so.”
“It’s not like individuals just show up unannounced to board a plane.
“These tickets are reserved months in advance.
“Why haven’t airlines been ensuring they have enough employees?
I believe they have lost members and are now having trouble regaining them.
She continued, “When I’ve met with airline employees, they’ve told me they can’t believe the airlines have been so shortsighted, laying off so many employees just to realize they can’t get them back.”
